WITH the 2008 Poppy Appeal being launched on Tuesday, October 21, Okehampton branch of the Royal British Legion is looking for volunteers to help collect for the cause.

The legion would like to hear from anyone who can give an hour or two to be a street collector or help with the distribution of collection tins and poppies to shops, pubs, village halls, post offices in and around Okehampton.

To lend a hand, contact Val Hoar on 01837 53297 or email [email protected]">[email protected]

The launch of the Poppy Appeal will take place at Exeter Racecourse at 1pm.

It will be officially launched when Royal Marine Ben McBean, who was seriously injured in Afghanistan earlier this year, unveils the legion's symbolic 'Poppy Man' on its first appearance in Devon. Poppies will be available throughout.

Through the generosity of Homesave, Devon RBL's main sponsor for this event, and Exeter Racecourse, there will be two legion associated sponsored races.

It is hoped this event will raise public awareness, and set the scene for another successful Poppy Appeal, which last year raised more than £30-million nationwide, for the benefit of those who are serving, have served, and who are in need.

As well as providing free facilities to the Royal British Legion for the launch, Exeter Racecourse is donating £2 of every legion ticket purchased to the Poppy Appeal.